Hardcore Gamer's Scores
- Games
For 4,329 reviews, this publication has graded:
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50% higher than the average critic
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9% same as the average critic
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41% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 1.4 points lower than other critics.
(0-100 point scale)
Average Game review score: 73
| Highest review score: | Balatro | |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest review score: | Final Fantasy: All the Bravest |
Score distribution:
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Positive: 2,430 out of 4329
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Mixed: 1,657 out of 4329
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Negative: 242 out of 4329
4332
game
reviews
- By Date
- By Critic Score
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- Critic Score
While roguelike and roguelike-inspired games such as these feel like a dime a dozen in recent times, Necropolis stands out simply by being the best that it can be, with a striking visual style, great sense of humor and an enjoyable co-op mode working together with immense, randomized, yet terrifically-designed levels and some great combat. Developers Harebrained Schemes have crafted a stellar entry into the genre, one that’s still tough as nails and yet has you coming back to it again and again. It’s a superb hack-and-slash game that’s fun all around and comes highly recommended.- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted Jul 12, 2016
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Collection of Mana is one of the greatest classic RPG assortments out there now. It’s easily worth picking up for Trials of Mana alone, but Final Fantasy Adventure and Secret of Mana are wonderful to have along for the ride as the trio that started the franchise. Anyone who has never tried these titles before is now given the opportunity in easily the best way possible, and despite the remakes these titles have or are soon going to see, it’s well worth playing each one from where they began. Collection of Mana is a title every fan of JRPGs should have whether they’ve played them or not, as they are tried and true classics that stand the test of time by still being simply outstanding well over twenty years later.- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted Jun 18, 2019
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Not only is there isn’t a single bad game in Mega Man Legacy Collection, there isn’t a game included that isn’t great. Whether you’re someone who has beaten the core NES Mega Man games hundreds of times, or if you’re someone who has always been curious about one of the most heralded franchises in gaming, Mega Man Legacy Collection is all but a no-brainer.- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted Aug 25, 2015
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- Posted Dec 8, 2014
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Into the Breach shows that strategy games don’t need to do anything new because they can create some of the most memorable gaming experiences to be had if done correctly. Into the Breach is a game that is being played even when away from the computer, because it can’t help but fill the mind with possibility.- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted Mar 18, 2018
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There’s no other title with quite the same approach as Starlink has taken and it’s easily the best integration of toys to life that has been done so far.- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted Oct 16, 2018
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Mario Kart World is a surprising step forward for the Mario Kart franchise. The introduction of the rail and wall riding systems are welcome additions, adding even more skill-based racing to the already beloved formula. That’s on top of Nintendo putting the World in the Mario Kart World name. Nintendo has crafted an impressive interconnected lobby system, allowing you to explore the vast world while in-between matches. This Free Roam feature could be better improved, though, with a better map system and potentially cooperative play in the future. All in all, Mario Kart World is one of very few Switch 2 exclusives to truly speak about, offering an immense amount of value at the console’s launch. It’s highly addictive and will leave a lasting impression on fans and newcomers.- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted Jul 22, 2025
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Botany Manor is a genuine delight, a charming little adventure game with a nice story, a lot of creativity in its plant designs and unique botanical work, and amazing puzzles that feel like a throwback to the classics of yore while having their own beautiful twists based around thorough exploration. It's an absolute gem, so make sure you don't overlook it just because Victoran-era botany doesn't seem all that intriguing at first. As it turns out, it can make for one amazing game.- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted May 3, 2024
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Nine Sols is a Metroidvania that does what many have failed to do within the genre and actually creates an experience that feels like an authentic, grueling, atmospheric and unique 2D Souls game. Artistically, it's hard to find any fault with it as the blend of Tao Tradition and Cyberpunk dystopia is captivating. The narrative is gritty, mature and uncompromising, which leads to an engaging story from start to end, and the gameplay is a refined showcase of combat, platforming and puzzle-solving. The difficulty settings may be a little askew, and some may feel that the central themes are too graphic and unsettling at times. But all in all, Nine Sols, in a stacked year, as far as Metroidvanias are concerned, does more than enough to force itself into the conversation, as it could be a contender for indie game of the year.- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted Jun 3, 2024
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1P2P have delivered a stylish and superb adventure with Young Souls, a dazzling hybrid of brawlers and crawlers (dungeon, that is) that’s perfectly suited for all players while delivering an amazing and challenging experience, one that will have you searching every path and going over every weapon, with every trip into a level leading to some form of satisfaction in one one way or another. Whether you enjoy hack-and-slash or punch-and-kick, or just any game in general, Jenn and Tristan’s journey is one more than worth taking.- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted Mar 10, 2022
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Hell is Empty perfectly pays off what was built up in the first two episodes while also providing a bridge to the original series. Acting as a prequel series put Before the Storm in a tough spot, but the third episode shows that you can pull of a lofty goal like that near-perfectly. It’s a fantastic conclusion to the prequel series and a must-play for anyone who enjoyed the first two episodes. You’ll see proper payoffs to many things here, while the main game serves as a payoff for other storylines and characters introduced in this series — allowing this self-contained part of the tale to do its own thing without having to wrap up every part of the narrative.- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted Dec 21, 2017
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Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology is a brilliant title that calls back to the classics while being able to stand alone with its own endearing twists and making it a memorable entry that every RPG lover should try.- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted Feb 5, 2018
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It’s hard to describe just how enjoyable Save Me Mr Tako is. It seems so simple and quaint from the outside, but contains a meaningful adventure that won’t soon be forgotten. The original release left many little things to be desired, but the Definitive Edition comes back in full force and ready to give Tako another change in the limelight so he can prove his eight tentacles aren’t just for show. Anyone who likes platforming, good adventures or just that classic Game Boy vibe should not miss out on one of the most enjoyable little indie titles ever made with Save Me Mr Tako: Definitive Edition.- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted May 17, 2021
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Put on your +1 cape of adventure and go pick up Divinity: Original Sin now, because it would be a sin to miss out on something this good.- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted Jul 15, 2014
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Civilization VI takes all of the elements from the Civilization franchise, improves on them and produces one of the most unique games in the series. It innovates heavily without removing any elements that players have come to expect.- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted Oct 26, 2016
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Anyone looking for a new otome game to play will find enjoyment in picking up Olympia Soiree. Even newcomers to the otome genre might want to try it out as this game quickly hooks players with Olympia’s plight and relatable mood. This is an excellent release that gives Switch gamers an ever-increasing bounty of visual novels to choose from. Jump into the colorful world of Olympia Soiree and you’ll be brought on a journey with highs, lows and both surprising and satisfying conclusions.- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted Oct 4, 2021
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Last year’s iteration attempted to change the genre of the series, but Imaginators grounds it in platforming again, this time simply crafting the best gameplay experience possible.- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted Oct 13, 2016
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While its online play is far from perfect, Super Smash Bros. 3DS is an impeccably polished package that proudly brings the series back to its best while fearlessly treading new ground.- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted Oct 7, 2014
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The barely contained chaos and sheer variety of things to do keep Final Approach interesting. It’s action packed while still being family friendly, all while offering a lengthy campaign. The fact that the scoring system keeps the missions replayable seals the deal. Phaser Lock Interactive has released one of the best games for VR. [Tested with HTC Vive]- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted Oct 13, 2016
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Armed with a new engine, Rome II looks great, plays smoothly, and will be a challenge to both veterans and novices.- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted Sep 9, 2013
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Even those who are unfamiliar with the franchise will likely enjoy the sheer fun combat and challenging opponents that Granblue Fantasy: Versus has to offer.- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted Mar 2, 2020
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If you’re the type of gamer who is sick of the same games coming out over and over again, then Superhot is a breath of fresh air thanks to its phenomenally executed central mechanic.- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted Feb 25, 2016
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It would be easy to dismiss a game like Monster Train as nothing more than yet another entry into the ever-increasing deck-building genre upon first glance, but after just a short while playing it, its various complexities begin to reveal themselves, making for deep gameplay that keeps you coming back for just one more run. Much like the best puzzle or strategy games, Monster Train excels in being insanely addictive, all while being easy to learn yet hard to master. Shiny Shoe should be commended on this labor of love, an absolute gem where controlling the forces of Hell feels like a blast of heavenly fun.- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted Jun 18, 2020
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It’s as beautiful as it is deep, and will keep you glued to your television screen as the hours fly by.- Hardcore Gamer
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It contains not only some of the best combat mechanics available, but everything you could have wanted from a Metal Gear Solid game. Plus Kiefer Sutherland.- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted Sep 3, 2015
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Halo 4 isn't quite the revolution everybody has been waiting for, but it's on the right track. 343 Industries have done a superb job in replicating what fans love about the franchise while adding their own distinct style to it. With a meaty and well told single-player campaign, multiplayer that will keep gamers engaged for months, if not years on end, and a bustling community to engage with, Halo 4 is an immeasurable value that will not disappoint.- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted Nov 7, 2012
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Endless Dungeon will have players coming for the unique blend of rip-roaring action and tower defense, but what should keep them around is the impressive and lovable cast of characters, along with their various stories to become invested in. But whether you want gunplay, strategy, exploration or story, this is a game can provide it all in one simple-yet-deep package, making for a terrific experience that’s not to be missed out on. Now to get back to helping the bartenders find that drink recipe among the piles of bug corpses…- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted Oct 16, 2023
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Picked nits aside, there is no better time to explore the world of Planescape with this enhanced edition. The content of the game has aged extremely well, providing almost endless hours of top notch exploration, dialogue and story. Beamdog has done a great job with getting it running better on modern machines while not going overboard. It ran without a hitch on my humble, underpowered laptop. As a must play for returning fans and newcomers alike, there is no real reason to skip Planescape: Torment: Enhanced Edition. This is PC RPG gaming done right.- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted May 3, 2017
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Pikmin 3 is the answer to the question “what’s on the Wii U?” It may not be a killer app, but it’s a wholly satisfying title that quite simply can’t be had on any other console. Imaginative, challenging and visually gorgeous, Pikmin 3 has one of the highest fun factors of any game this year.- Hardcore Gamer
- Posted Jul 31, 2013
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